MBA Spans the Globe
As today's society becomes increasingly globally-minded, the ability to appreciate and understand other cultures becomes extremely important. In order to function in this world, one needs to step outside the boundaries of his life and see things from a different perspective. Montgomery Bell Academy recognizes this need and offers international exchange opportunities for students at peer institutions in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. These programs add depth and scope to the overall MBA experience by offering participants a unique perspective on international education and by broadening their cultural horizons.
Experience Another Culture MBA's formal exchange program began in the 1997-98 school year with the British boarding schools of Eton College and Winchester College. It expanded in 2000 with the addition of exchanges to the Southport School in Australia (through 2007) and Michaelhouse in South Africa; in 2002 MBA initiated an exchange program with Kearsney College in South Africa (through 2004). In 2004 the King's School in Australia (through 2016) and Pan American High School in Costa Rica (through 2005) were added. In 2005, an exchange program with Lindisfarne College in New Zealand was initiated. Athens College in Greece (through 2010) and Melbourne Grammar School were added to the exchange program in 2008. The addition of Christ's College, New Zealand, in 2010 brought another dimension to our New Zealand exchanges, and 2011 brought Bishops College in Cape Town, South Africa, on board. These exchange opportunities are available for rising senior students and range in length from three to four weeks. At some of the host schools, participants stay on or near the campus in "houses" (dormitories). Other schools ask host families to house the visiting students. As exchange participants, MBA students serve as the school's ambassadors to institutions abroad, representing the school while having the experience of a lifetime. MBA is fortunate to have endowed funds provided through the generous sponsorship of supporters like Dudley Warner ('61) and the Whitson family to offset a number of the expenses of these exchanges.
Schedule of Exchanges for Students: (for rising seniors)
- Melbourne Grammar School (2 slots): 4 weeks, early-July to early-Aug
- Hutchins School (2 slots): 3-4 weeks, early-July to early-Aug
- Lindisfarne College (2 slots): 4 weeks, mid-June to mid-July
- Christ's College (2 slots): 3-4 weeks, early-July to early-Aug
- Michaelhouse School (2 slots): 4 weeks, early-June to late-June
- Bishops College (1 slot): 3-4 weeks, early-July to early-Aug